What is 4/5 + 8/12?

Let's add

4

5

&plus;

8

12

Step 1

We still have different denominators (bottom numbers), though, so we need to get a common denominator. This will make the bottom numbers match. Multiply the denominators together first. Now, multiply each numerator by the other term's denominator.

Now we multiply 4 by 12, and get 48, then we multiply 5 by 12 and get 60.

Now for the second term. You multiply 8 by 5, and get 40, then multiply 5 by 12 and get 60.

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

48

60

&plus;

40

60

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

48 &plus; 40 = 88

So what's the answer so far?

88

60

Step 3

Can this fraction be reduced?

First, we attempt to divide it by 2...

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 2? Yes! So we reduce it:

88

60

÷ 2 =

44

30

So far so good... let's try to divide by that number again.

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 2? Yes! So we reduce it: